Intense Gales Cause Tens of Thousands Without Power in the Island Nation
Powerful gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, while officials say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
